♂,
Hei Zi gave me a thumbs-up, then said, "As expected of the Overlord of the Nine Provinces—bold yet meticulous. Then it's settled. I'll handle the paperwork, and the notice and appointment should come down in a few days. When they take office, we'll go see them off."
The matter was settled swiftly and cleanly. The chief of the Administrative Affairs Office felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted. After all, everyone knew I possessed a third-grade Dao body. In the middle-grade region, that meant I could practically swagger around like a crab. Even Hei Zi couldn't help growing a little cocky as we left.
"Damn, things went unbelievably smoothly this time. With you tagging along, even I can't help walking around with my nostrils pointed at the sky!" Hei Zi said cheerfully.
"Still, following me is dangerous too. Aren't you afraid someone will block us on the way back?" I lowered my voice.
Hei Zi took a long while before finally blurting out, "Why don't you go on ahead? I still have something to do here. If you run into danger, I can at least help call for reinforcements."
"Heh, as it happens, I have something to do too. I need to make a trip to the lower-grade region. Why don't you head back first?" I didn't mind. Hei Zi only had a sixth-grade Dao body, and if something happened, I would only be getting him hurt.
Hei Zi hesitated, then asked curiously, "What are you going to the lower-grade region for? What business could you possibly have there?"
"Of course I have business." I didn't tell him. If I did, he definitely wouldn't let me go. After hesitating, Hei Zi said, "Just don't get yourself mixed up in anything major. The higher-ups are currently giving gifts